Penn State's student-run outdoor club

Meeting Minutes – 2/16/16

Thanks to everyone who turned out for a fun meeting last night. If you weren’t there, José Holguín amazed us all by rising to one of PSOC’s most challenging Physical Challenges to date. Displaying incredible balance and flexibility, he stood on the ball of one foot and retrieved a single cigarette (which was standing on end on the floor) with his mouth before returning to a standing position. Declining the cigarette as a prize, he instead ate a jar of salsa as a proud man.

TRIP REPORTS

Breezewood Tunnels – 2/6 – Last Saturday, Nick Bermudez led a group down to explore an abandoned 8.5-mile stretch of the PA turnpike, which contains two tunnels, one that’s a mile long and one that’s a half mile long. The group enjoyed exploring the urban decay, and encountered eerie graffiti, surreal ice sculptures, and glorious echoes.

Rothrocking – 2/13 – With the trip to cherry springs cancelled once again for bad weather, Ricky Waltz is lead his participants on an overnight adventure in our local state forest. He learned that you can always count on PSOCers to be super stoked about the outdoors, even when temps are in the single digits.

UPCOMING TRIPS

High Peaks in the Dax– 2/19-21 – A crew of six is planning to summit a series of mountains in the Adirondacks of upstate New York. Being more technical than most trips, the trip list is full and gear reservations are made.

Kayaking Pool Sessions – 2/24, 7:30-10:30 pm – If you’re looking to learn the basics of whitewater kayaking in the safe, comfortable environment of the McCoy Natatorium, or are already an experienced paddler looking just to practice and play around, future pool sessions occur 3/23 and 4/13. All cost $5 to attend, email alexvesey@psu.edu to sign up.

Frostbite Climbing Competition – 2/27 – Pat Thornton is leading a group of PSOC climbers to this indoor bouldering competition at the Climbnasium in Mechanicsburg, PA. They will also be practicing regularly at the local YMCA. Email him at pmt5086@psu.eduif interested in either opportunity, and be sure to join the PSOC Climbing Division facebook page.

Quehanna Trail – 2/26-28 – Connor McInerney is leading a small crew of hikers to this trail in the remote regions of Elk and Moshannon state forest. Email him at cmm6816@psu.edu if interested!

Winter Backpacking 101 – 2/27-28 – Aaron Fleischmann is looking to show some beginner backpackers how to stay warm and happy in the cold local wilderness. Email him at ajf200@psu.edu to signup, spots remain!

Puerto Rico – 3/6-12 – PSOC is pleased to announce this 10-person spring break trip. There, we can camp on the beach, traverse rainforests, climb mountains, and immerse into a vibrant culture without leaving the US, all in one week. Email Nate Moorman at ndm5147@psu.edu to get on the waitlist. Participants are responsible for the cost of airfare, restaurant meals, and spending money.

Red Moshannon Downriver Race – 3/26 – PSOC is planning to return, at long last, to this race we started way back in 1967. We will be competing for the glory and for the fun, and all experience levels are welcome. If you’d like to compete, send an email to Aaron Fleishman at ajf200@psu.edu or Alex Vesey at arv124@psu.edu. Also, try to attend some of the upcoming pool sessions, and join the PSOC Canoe Division facebook page to learn about other opportunities to practice.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

2016 THON Dance Marathon – 2/19-21 – Outing Club THON has selected Taylor Bell and Emily Donahue to represent our organization in this year’s 46-hour dance marathon. Come on out to the BJC and join us in the stands to cheer them on as they dance for the kids and for a cure!

Gantz’ Gear Shakedown – 2/24, 7-8pm – Dave Gantz, local backpacking guru and recent Guest Speaker, will be doing an informational session at Appalachian Outdoors, our local outfitter. He is about to embark on a 400-mile hike, and will have everything he plans to take with him, laid out for all question, criticize, and learn from. If you’re looking to learn more about packing for a long distance hike, check it out!

TEDxPSU Luncheon – 2/28, 1-2:30pm – TEDxPSU is looking for intriguing professional/student orgs, clubs, and other groups to share their ideas and goals with our attendees during Lunch, which runs from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM. This is a great event to gain exposure, recruit future members, and be a part of the TEDxPSU community. If you’re interested in representing the outing club email alexvesey@psu.edu, as most of the officer board will be occupied with various outdoor excursions.

“Severe Weather” Talk – 2/29, 6:30-7:30 pm – The RPTM society is hosting a National Weather Service speaker on severe weather, in the Foster Auditorium (102 Paterno Library). If you want to hear from the people who track and chase our nation’s most intense storms, tornadoes, and hurricanes, don’t miss this talk!

Winter Photo Contest – Now Open for entries! Want to show off some cool photos taken this winter? Enter online HERE or on Instagram with #psocwinterwonderland.